An intermittent diary of happenings as we live rewarding lives harvesting grapes and making wines at Murdoch James Estate in Martinborough, New Zealand.

Friday, July 3, 2015

In an earlier blog, I promised if I been unfairly critical of the "Premium" Selection Pinot Noir, made from French and Kiwi wine, that I wrote about, I correct any misunderstandings.

Well I don't need to do that with this wine at all.

The original reviewer was correct in asking "In a world awash cheap, commoditised, characterless wines, do we really need one more?"

I tasted it, and can certainly say that premium is not a word I would use to describe it. My conclusion? I agree with the original reviewer; do we really need this wine? It brings nothing to the table other than a cheap price. I know there will be folk for whom price is everything, but in that regard, with all very cheap wines, I have to say caveat emptor.

I do think there is a bigger story here though. Somewhere in the debate on alcohol promotion, what's missing is a discussion on protecting consumers from pretty ordinary stuff presented as something more. I intend to contact NZ Consumer magazine about this to get their thoughts. Will report back

About Me

We are a family owned vineyard in Martinborough, regarded by many as New Zealand's finest Pinot Noir region.
My wife Jill manages the business, I am responsible for sales and exports, and our son Carl makes the wines. We have a great vineyard and office team; Nicola - Carl's partner looks after marketing and sales, Lynn - office' Wonder Woman' looks after all our administration, while Cliff, Dan, Chris and Steve keep our vineyard looking the best in town!
It is a fun place to work, and the wines are pretty good too!